Japan’s Ayaka Furue secured her first major championship victory in stunning fashion at the 2024 Amundi Evian Championship in France. The 24-year-old golfer displayed nerves of steel as she sank a clutch putt for eagle on the final hole to clinch the title by one stroke.
Heading into the last hole, Furue was tied with Australian Stephanie Kyriacou and Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit at -17. With the pressure mounting, Furue delivered a remarkable second shot that landed on the green, setting the stage for her dramatic finish.
With the championship on the line, Furue remained composed and calmly rolled in the eagle putt to finish at 19-under for the tournament, edging out Kyriacou by a single shot. Her incredible performance in the final round, where she went five-under with three birdies and the tournament-winning eagle, showcased her exceptional skill and mental fortitude.
Following her victory, Furue expressed her gratitude and self-belief, stating, “I just kept trusting myself. It is breathtaking.” The win marked Furue’s second career victory on the LPGA Tour, adding to her previous triumph at the 2022 Women’s Scottish Open.
Notably, Furue became the fourth Japanese golfer to win a women’s major championship, joining the esteemed company of Chako Huguchi (1977), Hinako Shibuno (2019), and Yuka Saso, who claimed the 2024 US Women’s Open title last month. Reflecting on her achievement, Furue described it as an “incredible” honor to be part of the Japanese major-winning group.
As she jubilantly raised the championship trophy and was showered with champagne by her compatriots, Furue’s victory at the Amundi Evian Championship will be remembered as a testament to her skill, composure, and unwavering determination on the golf course.
